US Embassy Kabul: Natalie Cole Sings at Black Tulip’s Sneak Preview

Sonia Nassery Cole brought her film, The Black Tulip, to Kabul for its world premiere. Embassy staff were treated to a showing of the movie, shot entirely in Afghanistan, in a large shura tent. Cole also brought her son and co-producer Christopher Cole, cinematographer Dave McFarland and good friend and singer for the film’s theme, Natalie Cole (no relation).

Legendary American singer, Natalie Cole, performed for a mesmerized audience of embassy staff and their guests on September 21, 2010. Ms. Cole’s songs are featured in a new film, The Black Tulip, which was screened at a special sneak preview at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul. Ms. Cole traveled to Afghanistan to help promote the film along with the film’s director and cinematographer.

The Black Tulip was filmed entirely on location in Afghanistan, with an Afghan crew, by a female director, Sonia Nassery Cole (no, they’re not related). It was filmed in Dari, and will be shown with English subtitles. The film will premiere before an Afghan audience on Thursday, September 23.

Sonia Nassery Cole came to the U.S. from Afghanistan as a young girl when her family fled the Soviet invasion. She returned to Kabul years later to shoot the film, which will be Afghanistan’s entry for the 2011 Academy Awards.

“The Black Tulip” is a modern portrait of Afghanistan that captures the current plight and resilience of its people. Sonia Cole decided to make the film in hopes of giving voice to the voiceless people of her home country by telling a story through the eyes of an everyday Afghan family who remains hopeful despite constant struggle and tragedy.”